Jumper’s Knee in Youth Athletes: What Parents and Coaches Should Know This Fall
- amy45210
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
As fall sports return, we’re seeing more athletes come into the clinic with knee pain—especially soccer and volleyball players. One of the most common injuries we treat during this season is patellar tendinopathy, more commonly known as jumper’s knee.
Despite the nickname, this injury isn’t limited to high jumpers or basketball players. Jumper’s knee in youth athletes is an overuse condition that develops from repeated stress on the knee—especially in sports that involve sprinting, jumping, cutting, and kicking. For fall athletes, soccer and volleyball are prime culprits."
One of the most common knee conditions we treat in the fall is jumper’s knee in youth athletes, especially those involved in high-impact sports like volleyball and soccer.
What Is Patellar Tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy affects the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This tendon plays a key role in straightening the leg—something that happens constantly in jumping, sprinting, and striking the ball.
Over time, repeated stress can cause tiny tears in the tendon. If the tendon doesn’t get adequate time to recover, the tissue begins to break down and becomes painful, stiff, or inflamed.
Common Symptoms of Jumper’s Knee
Athletes often describe:
· Pain just below the kneecap, especially during or after activity
· Discomfort when squatting, jumping, or going down stairs
· A feeling of stiffness or weakness in the knee
· Pain that worsens with continued play or intense training
In early stages, pain may only show up during activity and go away afterward. Left unaddressed, it can become more persistent—and even limit an athlete’s ability to compete.
Why Jumper’s Knee in Youth Athletes Spikes During Fall Sports
In our clinic, we see a seasonal spike in these injuries due to:
· Sudden increases in training load after a summer off
· Hard surfaces (indoor courts or dry grass fields)
· Muscle imbalances, especially weak glutes or tight quads
· Inadequate warm-ups or cool-downs
· Not enough recovery time between practices, games, and conditioning
How Physical Therapy Helps
At Keystone Physical Therapy, we don’t just treat symptoms—we get to the root of the issue.
For jumper’s knee, that often includes:
· Assessing movement patterns, running mechanics, and jumping form
· Strengthening supporting muscles (especially glutes, hamstrings, and core)
· Improving mobility in the hips, ankles, and quads
· Gradual tendon loading exercises to rebuild strength and resilience
· Taping or bracing if appropriate, especially during competition
We tailor treatment to the athlete’s sport and stage of the season, with a focus on helping them return safely and stay active long-term.
Injury Prevention Tips for Athletes and Parents
1. Warm Up the Right Way
A proper dynamic warm-up that activates the hips and core can reduce stress on the knees.
2. Watch for Warning Signs
Ongoing knee pain after practice or during warm-ups is not normal. Early treatment can prevent a longer recovery later.
3. Strengthen Off the Field
In-season training should still include targeted strength and mobility work, not just conditioning.
4. Prioritize Recovery
Quality sleep, hydration, and nutrition play a major role in keeping tendons healthy and reducing injury risk.
When to Consider a PT Visit
If your child is:
· Playing through knee pain
· Struggling with jumping, squatting, or sprinting
· Not recovering between games or practices
· Or returning from a previous knee injury
…it might be time for a professional movement assessment. At Keystone PT, we work closely with athletes to identify the cause of their pain, address imbalances, and build a plan for long-term injury prevention.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about patellar tendinopathy and injury prevention, contact Keystone Physical Therapy today.
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